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The Royals have signed right-hander Joe Blanton to a minor-league contract that will pay him $1 million if he makes the major-league roster and includes up to $3 million in additional incentives, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. We first reported that Kansas City was a possible destination for Blanton, who is making a comeback after taking last season off.
Blanton, 34, struggled mightily with the Angels in 2013, posting a 6.04 ERA in 28 games (20 starts) before being released and picked up by the Athletics before telling reporters that he was planning to retire. After missing the entirety of the 2014 season, he will compete for a spot on the Royals' roster, likely as a long man out of the team's bullpen. Kansas City has been busy adding starting pitching depth this winter, signing Edinson Volquez and Kris Medlen to replace James Shields in its rotation.
In ten major-league seasons with the Athletics (2004-2008), Phillies (2008-2012), Dodgers (2012) and Angels (2013), Blanton has posted a lifetime 85-89 record and 4.51 ERA.